Peperomia obtusifolia

Peperomia obtusifolia, the baby rubberplant or pepper face, is a species of flowering plant in the family Piperaceae, native to Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean.[1] The specific epithet obtusifolia means "blunt-leaved".[2] The plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Peperomia obtusifolia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Magnoliids
Order: Piperales
Family: Piperaceae
Genus: Peperomia
Species:
P. obtusifolia
Binomial name
Peperomia obtusifolia

Description

It is an evergreen perennial growing to 25 cm (10 in) tall and broad, with cupped leathery leaves and narrow spikes of white flowers up to 12 cm (5 in) long, which grow in a shiny, winding manner and constitute the main decorative value of this plant.[4]

Cultivation

With a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), it must be grown indoors in most temperate regions. Although it needs high humidity, it does not require much care, it is enough with good lighting (without becoming excessive) to maintain the bright and intense colour of the leaves, these together with the stem are fleshy, so they do not need a very abundant or frequent watering. Direct light causes discoloration of its leaves, its average lighting is enough. A popular houseplant, numerous cultivars have been developed, some of which show leaf variegation. In summer, it should be fertilised with liquid fertiliser every fortnight.[5]

Pests and diseases

In general, it is a resistant plant, although it can have problems with aphids and mealybugs. Furthermore, excessive watering can cause root rot.[6]

  • Variegated form
  • Flower
  • Leafy stem
  • Variegated leaves closeup
  • Shrubby setting
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References
  1. "Missouri Botanical Garden - Peperomia obtusifolia". Retrieved 2013-05-25.
  2. Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
  3. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 75. Retrieved 22 April 2018.
  4. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  5. "RHS Plant Selector - Peperomia obtusifolia". Retrieved 25 May 2013.
  6. Dawid Longman: Nurturing house plants . Warsaw: PWR and L, 1997. ISBN 83-09-01559-3
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